Method of exchanging a printing cylinder sleeve and printing machine for carrying out the method

A method of exchanging a printing cylinder sleeve in a printing machine,which printing machine comprises a central cylinder and a plurality of ink units adapted to be adjusted against the central cylinder,each ink unit comprising a plate cylinder having a printing cylinder sleeve mounted on a mandrel, anda detachable bearing for supporting the mandrel,the method comprising the following steps, which are performed while the printing machine is running:moving the plate cylinder away from the central cylinder to such an extent that a space formed between the plate cylinder and the central cylinder becomes large enough for gripping the printing cylinder sleeve,detaching the bearing, andwithdrawing the printing cylinder sleeve axially from the mandrel.